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La Russa didn't speak with Pettini about All-Stars

La Russa didn't speak with Pettini about All-Stars

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Royals All-Star Game 2012 ASG

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PITTSBURGH -- Astros bench coach Joe Pettini, who will serve as the bench coach for the National League in next week's All-Star Game in Kansas City, said he never had any conversations with NL manager Tony La Russa about which Astros should make the team.

The Astros, not surprisingly, had only one All-Star -- second baseman Jose Altuve, who was voted in by his fellow players. Shortstop Jed Lowrie, whose 14 homers were the most among NL shortstops when the teams were picked, didn't make it.

"It never came up," Pettini said. "In the back of my mind, I was thinking [La Russa] may call at some point and ask, and I had the guys in mind I was going to recommend and he never did call. We did get a guy on there and I'm happy for Jose. I thought Jed had a shot and I was kind of pulling for him, as well, but everybody's got someone that doesn't make it."

La Russa, who retired after leading the Cardinals to the World Series title last year, asked Pettini last winter if he wanted to be on his staff for the All-Star Game. He was looking forward to spending time at home, but his wife understood the significance of being with La Russa for his final game.

"As much as he's done for me in the last 10 years, I wasn't going to miss that," Pettini said.